te Wonderful Story of Illinois 



A PAGEANT 



By 
Grace Arlington Owen 




Issued by the 

ILLINOIS CENTENNIAL COMMISSION * 



' : ' ? 8il : MmM wm 




The Wonderful Story of Illinois 



A PAGEANT 



By 
Grace Arlington Owen 



This Pageant is arranged in two masques 
and three episodes and is suitable for 
high schools and community celebrations. 



Issued by the 

ILLINOIS CENTENNIAL COMMISSION 



Printed by authority of the State of Illinois. 



THE MASQUE OF THE ELEMENTS 



Persons of the Masque 

Earth, Representing the Prairies. Illinois the Child. 

Water, Representing the Rivers. The Attendants of Aik. 

Fire, Representing the Mines. The Attendants of Earth. 

Aik. Kepresenting the Wind. The Attendants of Water. 

The Attendants of Fire. 

THE SCENE. 

A prelude of wind instruments is played swelling out in mighty 
strains. Out of the darkness there comes a softly lighted woodland, 
scene. There are no set arrangements of foliage or /loirer, but the effect 
is as Nature like as possible. On the stage are grouped three figures of 
noble bearing representing Earth. Water, and Fire. They are contend- 
ing as to which one has the the greatest power. Earth wears robes of 
green with touches of palest gold. There is a golden crown on her head. 
Water is clad in blue of varying pale shades, long white hair and beard 
gleam forth, there is a crystal crown on his head, crystal on his gown, 
while in liis hand is a staff of silver. Fire is dressed in a robe suggesting 
the color of flames verging from deep reddish orange to the palest shade 
of yellowish white. The use of several thin floating materials will sug- 
gest this heller than one heavy one. A crown of light is on tier brow* 

EARTH. 

Mine is the power by right inherent, 
Behold them, they who dwell in my bosom, 
Beasts of the fields and forests who wear 
The glossy furs, who build in my rocks and 
Play in the morning like light on the leaves. 
(A murmur from the other two arises.) 
Mine is the secret of life recurrent, 
Of life abundant, free, for behold my 
Flowers and vines and the fruit of the branches, 
Behold the little birds that are singing 
Day after day, the great birds that betwixt 
The sun and me are flying, all these. 
These do I shelter and nourish alway. 
(J i-niee comes (nun each of the other two, "Mine, mine is the 

gift, mine." | 

What have you, Fire 

Fit to compete with my gift-': 

(Fire mutters, "Mucli . much") 



You are naught without me 
For deep, deep down in ray breast 
I hold you magic stones, 
Stones from which, Fire, 
Flames in triumph reach the skies. 
I have hidden away 
The flint, the lead, and the coal. 
(Water raises his arm majestically to halt this speech.) 

EARTH. 

Water know you not, 

I teach your rivers to bend 

And in beauty to swerve, 

I deck their shores with new life, 

I order their path 

Marking the way for the gleam 

Of their glittering feet. 

I reign supreme on thy shores. 

WATER. 

Earth, you are deceived, 
Your boasts are vain and wild. 
There is no life but mine 

Gone would be your fields and woodlands, 
Gone the beasts and birds you love well, 
If my waters did not ever 
Search your secret heart of hearts 
And whisper words of strength. 

1 cause the little birds 
To sing for joy and I 
Murmur all is well, is well, for 

I am watchman of your gates and 
Guardian of all your gifts so 
There is naught without my power. 

FIRE. 

(Interrupting.) 
Foolish are your words, 
You cheat yourself with lies, 
I am Fire the great 
Who springs from earth to heav'n. 
I ascend, I aspire 
And light a thousand stars, 
Kindle warming rays 
Of sunshine glorious 
Gild the beaming moon 
That watches o'er our nights. 

(A murmur of denial from the other two ) 



I am power, I 

Am strength, and I am lit'*'. 

I am flaming fire 

To lighten darkness, to warm 

Depths beneath the earth 

And mount on high supreme. 

EARTH — WATER. 

0, for a judge to settle our dissension. 

WATER. 

One to mete out justice 

FIRE. 
Who is wise enough to decide? 

EARTH. 

Who will hear our cries 

And give to our hearts 

An answer? 
(A great shout is heard, "I, I, I" (The Air or Wind dances on 
from the right with great abandon. She leads her sprites who start up 
everywhere oat of the shadows, the shrubbery and entrances. They 
should have no set entrance but should give the effect of wild fowers 
springing ap everywhere. The Wind is dressed in shades of grays and 
la renders. There are floating scarves on her shoulders and arms. Round 
her 1 1 row is a floating veil. Her sprites reflect the color of her costn\7ne 
in I heir garments, only each one is clad in a single color of gray, violet, 
or dark gray. They carry floating scarves and dance lightly. After the 
cry of the Wind it is taken up by the sprites, then they fall to dancing.) 

AIR. 

I the symbol of the Air eternal 

Come to quiet this contention. 

Hearken to my words, Earth, with prairies 

Wide and free, Water filled with 

Energy and hope, Fire with wealth no 

One can measure, harmony and 

Sweet peace must be your dwelling for before you 

There lies a great and mighty task. 

ALL. 

What? What? 

AIR. 

Long will the reckoning be, 

Days decline, new moons wane, 

But your waters flow forever 

And wash the sands of ev'ry shore. 

And your tires burn brighter with the flame eternal. 

Across your prairies go trails 



s 

That lengthen with the day's increase 
And lead round the world. 
For you must rear a daughter, 
Give her riches, give her beauty, give her truth, 
Far and wide shall be read her wondrous story, 
Lo, she comes, the Child of Freedom, Illinois. 
(As Air waves her wand, her sprites dance to the sides of the stage, 
a curtain, of leaves falls at the bade of the stage and down a long avenue 
between trees or tall shrubs giving an effect of distance comes a child, 
delicate, beautiful, symbolizing the new state. She advances welcomed 
by the Air who places her on a pedestal in the center of the stage. This 
has been obscured by greenery. It is now put in position by two of the 
sprites and the Air with ceremony stands by Illinois. Earth, Fire, and 
Water bow and the Sprites make reverence.) 

AIR. 

What will you give to your child so fair ? 
See, she stands innocent before you. 

ILLINOIS. 

What do you offer me? 

ALL. 

We give, 
We give, 
We give our all. 

(They all move forward, but Air points to Earth.) 

AIR. 

You, Earth, 
What do you give ? 

EARTH. 

The old eternal miracle of life, 

Followed by the red wing black bird, 

Thy bronzed children leave the golden corn within my heart. 

It shall spring an army vast, spread its ranks on every side, 

Decked in silver sheen with flowing plumes of silk, 

It advances far as eye can see, 

Till the moon of August looketh down on a goodly company, 

That will stand in ranks of pale and faded gold, 

Richest treasure have they, 

Grains of gold within their clasp. 
(A murmur, a rustling, then cries of "We come, we come, and from 
both sides pour in the attendants of Earth dressed in green and silver 
symbolizing the corn. They dance from either side and take their 
places about Earth.) 



EARTH. 

This shall the white man covet. 
Mr would plant your fields forever, 
Be would rear a mighty state 
With the wealth that springs eternal. 
Builds he better than he knows, 
Comes a time of sowing, 
Comes a time of reaping, 
I Hindis, thou shalt be, 
Keystone of a nation great and free. 
( !omes the old, eternal miracle of life, 
In thy heart shall be sown, 

Seeds of knowledge, seeds of unity and freedom, 
Like the golden corn, they too shall spring to meet the light. 
All the world shall share thy harvest, 
All the world shall know thy name, Illinois. 

| Fire and Water now move forward as Earth and her band retire to 
the sides of the stage.) 

FIRE. 

Hear me, 

The cry of my desire. 

AIR. 

Speak, Fire, what is thy offering? 

ILLINOIS. 

(Clapping her hands and laughing.) 

What do you offer me, 

lovely Fire? 

FIRE. 

A gift beyond all measure 

A gift beyond compare 

For the sacred hearths of home 

1 bring you Love, to burn alway. 

Love, Love to blaze thy beauty to the skies, 

Love, Love to lead thy heart in gentle grace, 

Cunning secrets of my magic sparks 

Will T disclose to thee, 

Thou shalt have inventions marvelous, 

Space and time shall they outstrip. 

Progress shall attend thy ways, 

All thy steps lead onward, Illinois. 

(There is a peal of music ami from the long avenue at the back 
come the attendants of Fire dancing.. .They are dressed to resemble 
Fire and carry strips of silk that leaving in the light gave the effect of 
flames.) 



10 

FIRE. 

You shall build with golden lire 

A kingdom for the world to see, 

Mine the gift of Love, 

Mine the treasure rare 

To bring you joy and life sublime. 

(Fire retires and Water comes forward.) 

ILLINOIS. 

What do you bring to me ? 

AIR. 

Declare, Water, 
Pair and free. 

WATER. 

(Placing hands to lips like trumpet.) 
I call. 
I call. 

(The attendants of Water dance on dressed as Water.) 
"Water of life, 

For the strength of the morning shall be yours, 
Streams of gladness shall run through your land. 
My mighty waves shall turn the wheels of labors yet undreamed. 
The voice of many waters shall speak to Thee, 
Telling of commerce vast, and industries manifold. 
Bright shall be thy future, Child of wonder. Child of spirit free. 
With my gift you conquer, great shall be thy name, Illinois. 
(The attendants are dancing as he speaks.) 

FIRE — EARTH. 

Take mine. 
Take mine. 

(Illinois gazes rapturously at all of them and Air waves her wand 
for silence.) 

AIR. 

Out of discord cometh harmony, 

Out of struggle groweth peace. 

Give that ye may live forever. 

All the elements shall mingle, 

All shall blend, all shall shape themselves anew 

To rise in beauty free from ill, 

Give, I bid you give, give all, give all. 

(She waves her wand 1 and the great ballet of harmony ensues with 
the air, earth, water and fire spirits. Cries arise. "We give, we 
give, we give." . .Then gradually the darkness steals down and the scene 
is over.) 

(curtain.) 



u 
PART II— EPISODE I 

PROLOGUE, SPOKEN BY THE INTERPRETER 

This Interpreter should be an Indian who speaks before each Epi- 
sode and tells what is in the Episode and what is not. lie is a pic- 
turesque figure standing at one side on an elevated platform against some 
great tree, lie is not seen except before each Episode when a strung 
light is turned upon him. 

INTERPRETER. 

Manitou, the book of writing now unfolds. 

Give ear and listen to the story of a state. 

There came the forest children, lithe and supple were 

Their bodies, black their hair, while bronzed their faces seemed. 

In battle they were bloody, bitter, vengeful foes, 

And yet their savage nature bowed before Thy might 

When all in meekness, gentleness and peace there came 

A Priest of God to Illinois. Beside him walked 

A brave civilian, born to daring, born to deeds 

Of courage rare. Ah, Priest of God and bold civilian, 

You sought to solve the riddling river's secret then, 

You failed and yet you sowed forever golden seed. 

Behold by countless leagues of prairies, over miles 

Of water stern, Chevalier Robert de LaSalle. 

Approaches with the dew of youth upon his brow, 

And in his mind a purpose, in his heart a dream. 

To find the passage to the great and shining ocean. 

Swift moccassins had led him hither, birch canoes 

Had safely brought him far. Behind him Frontenac, 

Xiagara, Detroit, before his eyes empires 

Of wilderness where shall the golden lilies wave. 

But see, before him spring his enemies like grass. 

They compass him about as with a binding chain 

Of prejudice, intrigue, jealousy and fear. 

From all he arises like a tower strong and free, 

With Tonty. faithful, galant comrade, self-contained 

And self-controlled, the symbol of the pioneer, 

A memory to burn, to live, and light the fires 

Of new endeavor flaming far beyond the stars. 



12 

Persons in the Episode 

CHIEF OF THE ILLINOIS. SIXTEEN FRENCHMEN, of wllOin 

old chief of the ieoquois. tnr ee are friars, ribourde, 

YOUTH, SOn Of CHIEF OF THE IRO- MEMBRE, AND HENNEPIN. 

QTJOIS. THE MOHEGAN GUIDE. 

CHEVALIER, ROBERT DE LASALLE. SQUAWS. 

HENRI TONTY. CHILDREN. 

MONZO, A MASCOUT1N INDIAN. IROQUOIS WARRIORS. 

ILLINOIS WARRIORS. 

FOKEWOKD. 

Tin's Episode is designed to show the Indians in possession of the 
fertile fields of Illinois. Hither come the French under the intrepid 
LaSalle. They are seeking for the passage to the Pacific, believing the 
mystery of the waterway will give them untold colonial wealth. Their 
alliances and friendship with the Indians furnish the base for many 
chapters of early Illinois history. If desired on account of local reasons, 
a scene showing Marquette visiting the Indians in company with Joliet 
could be used instead of the one with the Indians. 

SCENE. 

A woodland scene supposedly near the spot where Fort Crevecoeur 
was located. Hie Illinois have returned from an encounter with the 
Iroquois, tepees arc in view and all the features of an Indian village. 
Squaws and children are engaged in preparing for torture, a victim who 
is led in by the warriors. The women heat willow bands at a Small firo 
near the front of the stage so they may press them against his quivering 
flash. The large fire is at the rear. The women are singing and chant- 
ing, the Chief of the tribe stands before his tent, his victim, a youth, 
sun of the Chief of the Iroquois stands impassive. 

CHIEF OF THE ILLINOIS. 

Hear my voice, ye braves, 

We sprang on the cowardly foe, 

We beat down the bloody Iroquois, 

Our hearts yearn 

To take just vengeance 

On the breed of treachery. 

Iroquois, tremble at our yell, 

We strike to kill. 

(Chorus of war whoops.) 

BRAVE OF THE ILLINOIS 

We will roast their son with fire. 



13 

ANOTHER BBAVE. 

We will paint his scalp with red paint. 
And hang it higher than any we have 

OLD SQUAW. 

Give it to me. r will sing the scalp dance. 
I will teach our young women how to rejoice. 

BRAVE. 

(Tossing h&r a scalp.) There is the scalp of the blackesl heart of 
the lying I roquois. 

OLD SQUAW. 

(Snatching it and starting In dance.) 
He flew o'er the plains like a lux, 
I [e shook like the leaf in the storm. 
He .-lew the perfidious clog. 
(She dances, holding up the scalp. Others join in ami cries of 
"We cross the enemies lines, we leave him for the dogs to tear, we roast 
him with fire." (The war cry rises from the Indians, and the women 
continue dancing.") 

indiax. (IVAo has been crouching, rises and stands listening; 
s some one is coming. ) 

chief of the iroquois. (Entering in full dress unattended, 
glances at fire, dance and victim, the Illinois Indians pause in amaze- 
ment.) 

CHIEF OF THE ILLINOIS. 

Why comes the Chief of the Iroquois to our country? What god 
has given him into our hand after we snared his son as we would an evil 
wolf? 

CHIEF OF THE IROQUOIS. 

My son has seen but few winters, his feet have never trod the war 
path but I have hung many scalps over the graves of my relations which 
I have taken from your warriors. Kindle the fire aboul me and send 
my son to my lodge. 

ILLINOIS CHIEF. 

You speak well. Great will he our rejoicing. Set the young man 
free and lei him flee from us like ice before the sun. 

(The son is loosed and with one glance towards hi* father who does 
not move, leaves. The Unices lead him In the fire at the rear and the 
women follow with their willow sticks anil tries. The same Indian 
watch who heard the Iroquois Chief, now stands listening again. No 
one notices him . i 

I Enter MonzO. 1 

[LLiNois chief. (Regards him quietly.) 



14 
MONZO. 

Hail Chief of the Illinois! Hail, people of the war god's own! 
I bring you tidings. 

ILLINOIS CHIEF. 

Speak. 

(A few turn to listen but most are intent on the burning ivhich is, 
supposed to be taking place at the bonfire. The flames are seen rising 
but the fire is not in plain view. Gradually the Indians come back and 
listen.) 

MONZO. 

LaSalle comes. He travels fast in a magic canoe for he is going 
down the great waters. There will he raise your foe like leaves on the 
trees. They will fall on your brave people like night and drive them 
from their lands which the great Michabo gave you forever. He is a 
spy of the Iroquois. 

ILLINOIS CHIEF. 

Are yours the words of truth, brother? 

MONZO. 

True as the winds that blow, as the rain that falls. 

ILLINOIS CHIEF. 

We will know how to answer him. Monzo, when he comes. 
We will guard the valor of our people. 

MONZO. 

Speak him fair, cunningly discourage him telling of the great Piasa 
bird larger than the buffalo that crouches on the bluff and eats human 
flesh. It carries a man in its talons as an eagle would a hare. 

CHIEF OF THE ILLINOIS. 

Your words are good. 

(Indian gives warning that some one is coming, a whisper runs 
through the crowd that LaSalle comes, all turn that way. Monzo listens 
a moment then turns and steals out steaWiily with a suggestion of fear 
that he may be observed or that some one may know that he has lied. 
Enter LaSalle and Tonty followed by LaSalle' s men, sixteen in number, 
a mo n i j ir horn are the three friars.) 

LASALLE. 

Greeting to you tribe of the Illinois, I come to you as a friend. 
You can do me good and I can do you good. We can be brothers. Let 
us smoke the pipe of friendship and shake hands. I am hunting for 
guides to lead me oveT the great river. I go to mark its course for the 
King of France. Will you guide mo on my wav? 



15 
( HIEE OP THE ILLINOIS. 

If you pass down the Btream, savage tribes will raise on either side. 
Neither cumbers nor courage can overcome them. They will kill and 
eat you. Serpents glide through the waters. Monsters will greet you 
and gather you in their embrace. There is no escape. We do not go 
forth. 

LASALLK. 

The greater the danger the greater the honor. Even if the dan, 
were real a Frenchman would never be afraid. Where is that impo 
Monzo? 

i 11 1 EI OF 'I'll E ILLINOIS. 

1 do not see him. 

LASALLE. 

No. hut he has been here with his lies saving we were spies of the 
Iroquois. If he spoke truth, why did he skulk away? If we meant to 
make war upon you, we need no help from the Iroquois who have so 
often felt the force of our arms. Look what we have brought yon. It 
is not weapons to destroy you but merchandise to do you good. If you 
still harbor evil thoughts of us be frank and speak them boldly. Go 
after the lying Monzo and bring him back that we may answer him 
face to face for he never saw us or the Iroquois and what can he know of 
the plots he pretends to reveal. 

CHIEF OF THE ILLINOIS. 

The Great Spirit has sent you here. We are his children and are 
pleased to see yon. We will love and help each other. Monzo has the 
black heart of a snake. 

(La Salle places the calumet of peace in the Chief's hands. He 
stands with Tonty giving orders.) 

TONTY. 

All your commands shall be obeyed. 

LASALLE. 

Father Hennepin, you are to take Anthony and Michael and press 
onward exploring the river. These Indians will give you counsel. God 
willing you may find the way to the Pacific. 

HENNEPIN. 

'•1 have no wish to expose myself to monsters hut as anybody but 
me would be frightened with the danger of such a journey, I shall go 
even though 1 am the dupe of ambition." 

| lie mutters this last, not daring to say it directly to LaSalle.) 

LASALLE. 

My men, our boat the Griffin is lost. We can not go on without 
supplies. I will go back to Frontenac and will return with all you 
need. I charge you wait for me here under your brave Lieutenant 
Tonty. all sa\c five men. 



1(5 

MOHEGAN GUIDE. 

(Stepping forward. J 
I go with you, always. 

FIRST FRENCH MAN. 

And I. 

(Three other* follow his exam pie J 

TONTY. 

We will guard the fort we have built near here. There will be 
much to do for we will build another boat to replace the Griffin. 

LASALLE. 

Call it Creve Coeur for here our hopes were blasted, our plans de- 
feated, and our hearts broken. Now farewell. 

(He grasps Tonty's hand, the Indians gather round, then, followed 
by Iris men, he leaves.) 

TONTY. 

Farewell, my Chief. Long may you live and safe return. 

HENNEPIN. 

I suppose I might as well start for the Pacific. I am no carpenter 
.and care not to build forts. 

MEMBRE. 

You might preach to these Indians. 

HENNEPIN. 

You might do^that while I go on my journey. I must set down my 
travels for posterity. I am a great writer. 

(He grumblingly takes his leave, with two men.) 

TONTY. 

There is but one great commander and it is our honor to serve him. 
Robert de LaSalle. 

FRENCHMAN. 

I care not to work for him longer. 

ANOTHER FRENCHMAN. 

He has not paid us for months. 

TONTY. 

You know he has no money. He goes to get it. He is a man of 
honor and will pay all he owes. 

FRENCHMAN. 

I will build no boats. I shall seek other friends. 



i; 

TONTY. 

Go, you skulking dogs, unfaithful to a (rust, go to the haunts of the 
Iroquois. 

They skulk out and at lh< same moment war cries arc heard. The 
village is attacked by a small band of Iroquois. They rush in under* 
the leadership of the youth who escaped the fire. The squaws shriek and 
grasp their children in their arms. Everywhere there is fighting and 
confusion. The two friars are seen praying in a tent. Tonty snatches 
a belt of wampum and advances towards the Iroquois. The young Brave 
leaps nl Tonty and slabs him. Tonty staggers but does not fall. At the 
same Hun an Iroquois says as Hie Illinois rush forward.) 

IROQUOIS BRAVE. 

He is not an Indian. 1 fell his iron hand. It is he. 

TONTY. 

Yes, I am he, I am Tonty. Yon have heard of the great Father in 
Canada, the Counl de Frontenac. I tell you he is the Protector of the 
Iroquois as well as the Illinois. He cannot see you destroy cadi other. 

IROQUOIS CHIEF. 

Our real trouble is that we are starving. Our march has frightened 
away the game so that we can expect to find but little on our return. 
We are in danger of perishing for lack of food. 

CHIEF OF THE IROQUOIS. 

We will give you food. Then go in peace. 

(The Iroquois draw hark to consult. The Illinois have driven all 
the invaders from the tepees and the large body of Illinois stand faring 
thr Iroquois. Their orator advances and holding out six packets of 
beaver skins addresses Tonty.) 

IROQUOIS CHIEF. 

Take from the Iroquois children, a gift, man of the Iron Hand. 

(Holds out two packets.) 
"The first two arc to declare that the children of the Count de 
Frontenac, that is the Illinois, shall not be eaten. 7 ' 

(Holds nut another.) 
"This is to declare that the sun is bright."' 
f II olds out another.) 
"This is to heal your wounds and this, (holding out the last om 
th<' last one. advises you to break camp and go home." 

TONTY. 

Who are you to come liCTe demanding that we go home? This is 
the land of the Illinois. They are the children of the French. 

(He kicks away thr skins.) 



18 

I want none of your gifts. You are liars. Do what you ask others 
to do. Go before it is too late. 

(He motions to those before him menacingly and at the same time 
flames start up about the village behind the tepees for the Illinois have 
fired the village to drive away the invaders. They turn savagely on the 
Iroquois as the scene fades away.) 

(curtain.) 



19 

EPISODE II 

PROLOGUE SPOKEN BY INDIAN INTERPRETER 

Thy Indian child told Thee. Manitou 

When e'er he rose above his passions swift 

A secret sacred, sweet and wonderful 

To him the symbol four was wonderful. 

For North and South, to East and West he looked, 

Four elements he knew within his nature 

Of Earth and Water, Fire and Air eternal, 

Again this mystical notation comes 

This strange enumeration in the flags 

Flung out to greet Thy might and grace. 

The first, the second, the third are emblems all 

Of three attempts to gain and hold the heart. 

The center truly, of this brave new world. 

Desire did walk this way and one by one they rose, 

The gaudy flag of Spain did yearn to float 

Forever, then the lilies bloomed aloft and gleamed 

Upon a field of gold. Next Britain's men 

Would find the pathway toward the setting sun. 

Today the fourth and greatest flag salutes Thee — 

With colors born in Thy domain, red stripes 

Of dawn, the blue of sky, and stars of light. 

SCENE ONE 
Persons in the Episode 

GEORGE ROGERS CLARK ANGELIQUE, BELLE OF KASKASKIA 

HIS MEN J ANNETTE, A VOODOO WOMAN 

FATHER GIBEAULT, PRIEST AT INDIANS, COEUR DE BOIS, NEGRO 

KASKASKIA SLAVES 

PIERRE, BROTHER OF ANGELIQUE CHILDREN, MEN AND WOMEN OF 

COMMANDANT ROCHERLAVK KASKASKIA 
BLIND FIDDLE I ; 

SCENE. 

The town of Kaskaskia, a dance is just ending and the people are 
streaming home. The strains of a fiddle heard. Several groups cross 
the stage exchanging good-nighls. There an' old persons, young per- 
sons, children, Indians, several negro slaves attending their master. 
Lights show in the house of the Commandant in the right. The entrance 
to the church is at the left. 



20 



A YOUNG GIRL. 

Pleasant dreams, Angelique. I know what Janette said. 

ANGELIQUE. 

You don't know. 

GIRL. 

I can guess she said that 

(She is Interrupted by a burst of laughter.) 

YOUTH. 

Do you tell truly, Jannette ? 

JANNETTE. 

I tell what I see. 

(She half mutters this.) 

BRITISH OFFICER. 

Tell them the Long Knives are coming. They will cut off your 
curls, Mademoiselle Angelique. 

ANGELIQUE. 

(Tossing her curls) — They will find it a hard task, Monsieur. Take 
care they do not scalp you. Come Pierre, we must be at home. 

(Exits haughtily.) 

FIRST BRITISH OFFICER. 

(To his friend) — Offended. The French damsels are proud. One 
never knows how to take them. 

SECOND BRITISH OFFICER. 

They cling to their own. You will have no luck my friend. Her 
heart is not for you. 

FIRST BRITISH OFFICER. 

We shall see what we shall see. Perhaps the old woman will tell 
me. (Goes over to Jannette who has been fumbling in her bwg for a 
charm.) 

I will give you this gold piece if you will tell me when I am to marry 
Mademoiselle Angelique. 

JANNETTE. 

(Regarding him narrowly) — I tell you WHEN. That easy. 

FIRST BRITISH OFFICER. 

Very well. 

(Hands her money as his companion stands watching.) 



•.'I 



JANNETTE. 



You go i'ar away from here. You go, you go south and east and you 
never come back to Kaskaskia. You marry Mademoiselle Angelique 
never — never — NE VER. 

FIRST BRITISH OFFICER. 

You old black hag. I'\e a notion to give you to the Long Knives. 
Don't you know they hang blaek folks on the trees and beat them for 
hours. Think what they would do to you. 

(To his companion.) 

Come along, the old fool is going to hoodoo me. 

JANNETTE. 

And what do the Long Knives do to Soldiers? Tell me that ? (She 
rocks to and fro screeching and wailing.) 

(The stage is now deserted by all save Jannette and the old blind 
fiddler who enters playing a plaintive air. A small boy attends him and 
carries a lighted lantern in one hand while with the other he gently 
p-ushes the old man along.) 

FIDDLER. 

Good night, Jannette, peace to you. 

JANNETTE. 

To you. Is every one gone home from the hall? 

FIDDLER. 

The Commandant Eocheblave left early. The rest followed his 
example. 

(He pauses in his playing.) 

It is a quiet night, one for mischief. 

JANNETTE. 

We shall see something before morning. 

FIDDLER. 

What ? 

JANNETTE. 

I know not but I feel it in my bones. 

FIDDLER. 

(Laughing kindly.) 
I play you the gay tunes to drive away the black shadow.-. Bon soir. 
( He strike* up a lively air) Allez, mon enfant. 



22 

(exit.) 
(Jannette exits. Darkness falls. The lights in the Commandant's 
house go out. There is silence for a moment then shadowy forms are 
seen gliding about. They resemble Indians and come stealthily into 
view, one tall figure steps oat into plain sight. He i,s George Rogers 
Clark. He is wearing buckskin clothes, moccassins, and a cap of fox 
skin with the tail hanging down his back. A tomahawk, a scalping 
knife, and a powder horn are in his belt. He carries a flint lock. His 
men resemble him in dress.) 

CLARK. 

SEIZE Bocheblave and bring him thither. That is his house. Re- 
member no bloodshed. The place is ours if we scare them badly. They 
have heard fearful stories of The Long Knives. Then I shall tell them 
that France is our ally. Are you ready ? The rest to your posts. 

(They scatter in the darkness) — (In a moment Rocheblave is brought 
in sleepy and surprised.) 

ROCHEBLAVE. 

What is the meaning of this? How dare you invade the land? 

CLARK. 

This land is now under the flag of Virginia. One does not invade 
his own land. We are Virginians. 

ROCHEBLAVE. 

Virginians ! They are a low race not equal to Indinas. 

CLARK. 

You will find they are to be obeyed. 

(To his men.) 

Take him away. We will send him to Virginia and let him see 
what they are like. 

(He whistles softly as the men obey him and instantly shouts, yells 
and cries arise. The town people come running in greatly excited.i 
Some of the old ladies in their padded gowns and night caps. The] 
children are crying, there is terror everywhere. Jannette enters and 
crouching at the side of the stage moans and cries. One of the Vir- 
ginans speaks to a villager.) 

CLARK. 

No talking with these people. My orders are to be obeyed. 

(His tones are fierce and the people who are steadily gathering are 
much terrified. The priest goes about trying to comfort them as do some 
of the old men of the town.) 



33 

PRIEST. 

(To Clark.) 
Sir, my people realize they are about to be separated as that is the 
fate of the conquered. Perhaps they may never meet again. They re- 
quest, you grant them the privilege of meeting in the church to exchange 
farewells and commend their future lives to a merciful God. 

CLARK. 

Very well, Americans do not interfere with the beliefs of others but 
let everyone worship God according to his convictions of right. Assem- 
ble in the church but on no account must any one leave the village. 

PRIEST. 

Thank you, sir. 

f The people pass into the church.. One of Clark's men is seen talk- 
mg to a British officer.) 

CLARK. 

Bring that man to me. Seize the Officer. (There Virginians do 
his bidding.) 

(To the Virginian.) 
You heard my order? 

VIRGINIAN. 

I thought it would not matter if I talked with these soldiers. 

CLARK. 

Your business was to do as you were told. Put him in irons and 
these men too. 

(As his orders are obeyed,, Jannette ivalks up and down wailing. 
,*<lic looks at the British Officer as she says): 

JANNETTE. 

You go a long ways, you never come back. 

PRIEST. 

(Advancing from the entrance of the church.) 
Sir, we would speak with your leader. 

(He has some difficulty in recognizing Clark as the men are all 
dressed alike.) 

Sir. we would thank you for the favor you have given us. 

CLARK. 

It is nothing. 

PRIEST. 

We are so far away here in the wilderness we know but little of the 
affairs between England and her colonies but ours is the fate of war. We 
are ready to submit but you have been so kind as to allow us to worship 
God that we make bold to make certain requests of you for our people. 



24 

CLARK. 

Proceed. 

. FIRST OLD MAN. 

We are willing to turn over our property to you but we ask that you 
do not separate our families when you drive us away. 

SECOND OLD MAN. 

And we would ask that you let us take from our homes a few clothes 
and such food as will maintain life until in a new land we can build us 
homes again. 

CLARK. 

Is that all ? 

THIRD OLD MAX. 

Yes, sir, that is all. 

CLARK. 

Call your people from the church. I would speak to all of them. 
(Priest does so rather timidly but still anxious to hear the reply.) 

CLARK. 

Your priests and elders of this village have made certain requests 
of me. What, do you mistake us for savages? Do you think Ameri- 
cans will strip women and children and take the bread out of their 
mouths? My countrymen do not make war upon helpless innocence. 
It was to protect our own wives and children that we penetrated this 
wilderness and subjugated Indian barbarity not for the despicable ob- 
ject of plunder. The King of France is the ally of the colonies and 
the war must shortly terminate. Embrace which side you deem best 
and enjoy your religion for American law respects the believer of every 
faith. Now to convince you of my sincerity you can dismiss from your 
minds any fears concerning your property or your families. Conduct 
yourselves as usual. 

(Silence for a moment. Then many people jail on their knees.) 

PRIEST. 

Sir, we would thank you. 

CLARK. 

]STo thanks, merely justice. 

(One of the old men enters the church, then the bell is heard ring- 
ing merrily. The people turn to the church.) 

PRIEST. 

Let us give our thanks to God and celebrate this day of greatness. 
(Some enter church to pray. Fiddler enters, begins to play, the 
young people begin to dance as the scene ends.) 



SCENE TWO 

PROLOGUE BY THE INTERPRETER 

Give ear, Manitou, the changing years advance 

With them they bring new ways, aew thoughts through all our 

land. 
On Freedom's floating Hag burned twenty silver stars 
There rose another, never wavered, never failed 
But shone with Truth's own light, a messenger of 'lawn 
A harbinger of gracious good, () Illinois. 
Within her borders grew dissensions bold and long. 
There raged Tor many months a struggle bitter, strange. 
Through all her sturdy homes by all her hearth stones warm 
Was heard the fiery word, was read the warning text. 
From many men, from many minds came one to lead 
Through toil, anxiety, abuse he fought and won 

PERSONS IX TIIK EPISODE. 

GOVERNOR EDWARD COLES. 

THE REV. ,101 IX MASON PECK. 

BILL, AN ARDENT ADMIRER OF THE GOVERNOR. 

TOM HIGGINS STAGE DRIVER. 

AX IMMIGRANT FAMILY. 

CITIZENS OF VANDALIA AND SURROUNDING COUNTRY. 

AUNT CHARLOTTE, FORMERLY ONE OF A FAMILY OF NEGRO 

SLAVES OWNED BY GOVERNOR COLES. 
GEORGE, HER BOY. 

SCENE. 

Yandalia, August J, 18.1-'+ at tlie time of the election held to decide 
whether a convention should be culled to consider a new constitution 
that would permit slavery in the state. The setting is supposed to be 
near Flack's hole/, I In- leading inn of the place and in an open space 
where it would be natural tor the people of the town to assemble. 
Yandalia is now the capital of the new slate and the "Question" as the 
move for the convention is called has taken the uppermost thought in 
every one's mind for the last eighteen months. 

It is afternoon of an August day and there is a stir of great incite- 
ment, groups of people are seen standing about arguing. Tiro men are 
carrying a crippled tltird. who is org weak and frail, in a chair made: 
of their locked hands. He is so feeble lie can not hold to them and they] 
move slowly. Evidently I hey are bent on an errand of much importance. 
One man of a group standing near the center front comes down towards 
them. He speaks. He is a typical long, loose-jointed fearless son of the 
.Middle West and answers to the name of bill. 



26 

BILL. 

Hey, you fellows, so you got brother Nate at last. I tell you "The 
Question" is going to be settled this day. Governor Coles will have his 
wish. 

ONE OF THE MEN CARRYING THE INVALID. 

He's awful weak, pears like maybe we wouldn't get him there. 

SECOND MAN CARRYING INVALID. 

We'll get him there, you're all right aint you Nate ? 

NATE. 

Is it very far now? 

FIRST MAN. 

No, pretty near, then you'll vote, lucy you're here to vote. 



BILL. 



How's he going to vote ? 



SECOND MAN. 

He's going to vote right. We got to raise some money in this state. 
Its coming to a pretty pass when no one will settle here. 

BILL. 

You mean he's goin' to vote for the Convention ? 

FIRST MAN. 

He be. Soon as we get him there. 

BILL. 

Him with one foot in the grave and the other falling in a goin' to 
vote for makin' his fellow creatures slaves. You ought to be ashamed. 
Like as not the pore thing don't know what he's doing or where you be 
taking him. You pretending to be men and doing a thing like this. 

(As he is talking a mover s wagon has sloiuly made its way being 
driven circuitously across the scene. A man and woman with two miser- 
able tow-headed children are seen in it. They are. evidently of a poor 
class mentally as well as materially. A lank, lean horse is hitched behind 
the wagon and a faded, discouraged cow. Their wagon is drawn by one 
miserable creature.) 

SECOND MAN. 

Me ashamed, we got to do something for this country or nobody 
won't want to live in it. Ask that fellow coming (pointing to mover's 
wagon). More than likely he won't want to settle this side the Mississ- 
ippi. 

BILL. 

Who'd want him? 



SECOND MAN. 

That's what 1 say, even he wouldn't live here 

(The// more on and several of the groups that have been in knots 
and snia/l groups arguing come fonrard listening, some nod approvingly, 
others arc dee ply moved in smpathy with Bill. The crowd is equally 
divided in its sentiments and dues not hesitate to gesticulate and grow 
noisy. One of the men calls out io the immigrant as the two men 
carrying II"' invalid pass on to where the election is being held.) 

THIRD MAN. 

Friend, a word with you. 

IMMIGRANT. 

Me? 

THIRD MAN. 

Y^es, vou, have you a \ote? 



IMMIGRANT. 



What for? 



THIRD MAN. 

We're voting today on ""The Question." 

( Voices from the crowd arise shouting information.) 

A VOICE. 

They're trying to make Illinois a slave state. 

SECOND VOICE. 

We need a Convention. (Joined by many voices,) "Convention or 
death," "Vote it down, Yote it down." "This is a free country," "We 
ain't going to have slaves," "You don't know what we be going to have." 
"If you have a vote come down off that wagon." "Convention or death/' 
"Convention or death." (This ends in hoots, yells, cries and the UJce.) 

IMMIGRANT. 

Well, I got no vote. 

THIRD MAN. 

You going to live here? 

IMMIGRANT. 

Mebbe. 

THIRD MAX. 

Why don't you settle in Vandalia, going to be the greatest town in 
the state. 

FOURTH MAN. 

Van and Dale, that's it. the dale that's ahead of them all. in the 

van just where we are now, Mister. 



28 

A DRUNKEN MAN ON THE EDGE OF THE CROWD. 

Tain't so, named for Vandals, a famous band of Indians — most 
famous Indians in history. 

BILL. 

Shut up. 

THIRD MAN. 

(To Immigrant.) If you're stopping hereabouts maybe you can vote 
if you are going to live here. 

(A colored woman appears in the crowd with a half grown boy, she) 
is in great distress and seems frightened, but the crowd intent on the 
affairs of the day lake but slight notice of her. She -makes her way 
cautiously amongst them working down towards the side and front of 
the stage.) 

IMMIGRANT. 

(Who has slowly climbed down out of liis wagon). You think I 
would live here ? 

BILL. 

We got the best state in the country, and the best Governor, (A 
voice says, "That's what you thi?ik"), the most fertile soil, there ain't 
none like it. 

IMMIGRANT. 

Well sir, your sile is mighty fartile but I wont stop here in Illinois. 
I'm goin' to Missouri, goll durn you, cause a man can't own niggers here. 

BILL. 

(Rushing forward.) 

Goll durn yourself, you with nothing but that, (pointing to the 
Immigrant's outfit), talking about buying niggers, you ain't got plunder 
enough to buy a cat. Let me get at you. 

(He is about to rush at the Immigrant, rolling up liis sleeves for a 
fight, but is restrained by a ministerial appearing man who enters a# 
this moment and is the Rev. John Mason Peck.) 

PECK. 

Softly, anger will not avail, let the man go where he will. We need 
none of this kind here, there are too many of them as it is now. 

(Bill retires a little shame-facedly and starts conversation with an- 
other group. The Rev. Mr. Peck goes to the Immigrant who has 
climbed back into his wagon.) 



29 

PECK. 

Brother, let me give you this Bible. Take with you the word of 
God and may it bring you understanding. 

(The Immigrant takes the book in an awkward way and drives off 
with no fv/rther comment. The crowds are arguing and looking at 
specimen ballots also at copies of the Vandalia Intelligencer and grow 
violent over their reading. Cries arise — ''That paper's anti slavery." 
"It ain't fair." "You ought to road the Bdwardsville and Kaskaskia 
papers." "Come on and see how the lection- goes." This starts the 
crowd and they move in a surging mob out of sight presumably to the 1 
balloting place. The old colored woman makes her way to the minister. 
He turns and seeing her evident distress says in a kindly manner.) 

PECK. 

(Much surprised looks at her and recognizes her.) 
What! Why, its Aunt Charlotte to be sure. What are you doing 
here, is anything the matter? You must not be frightened. The Lord 
will be with us this day. 

CHARLOTTE. 

Massa Peck, whar's the Governor? 

PECK. 

At his home. 

CHARLOTTE. 

No he ain't. I don bin there, Massa Mason I just got to see the 
Governor. I come a long ways. 

PECK. 

Now, can't you wait till after the election, Aunt Charlotte? Gov- 
ernor Coles has worked so hard and has had no rest for days and days. 

CHARLOTTE. 

I waited mos all dis day say and I can't wait past sunset, Massa 
Peck, de Governor, he gwine see me, he never refused none of his people 
nothing and my mother and daddy were his slaves, me too, Massa Peck, 
an he gwine be awful sad if I don't see him, you go fetch him here to 
see me, please Massa Peck, I gwine wait heah, me and George, my boy, 
please I gotta see him. (She sinks to her knees.) I walked miles and 
miles to see him, from way down by Edwardsville. 

PECK. 

( liaising her.) 
But Aunt Charlotte, you wouldn't want the Governor to leave his 
important business right at once — perhaps in an hour or — 

CHARLOTTE. 

Massa Peck, please, I knows de Governor, ax him what I tell you, 
1 ax you in de Lord's name to go now. 



30 

PECK. 

I don't understand Aunt Charlotte, but I should not want to turn 
away any distressed child of Our Father. You will wait here? 

CHARLOTTE. 

Over behind dat bush, me and George. (Going toward it.) 

PECK. 

I shall not be long, I think I can find him. 

CHARLOTTE. 

Praise Gawd. 

(She and the hoy by semi-stealthy steps go behind a clamp of 
shrubbery to the left and are not noticed. A violent outbreak now 
occurs in the returning crowd to which have been added women and 
children. A man is answering Bill who is the center of the thickest 
argument.) 

FOURTH MAN. 

I tell you this Convention ain't wholly for settling the question of 
whether we can hold slaves in Illinois. 

A VOICE. 

You're holding them now without paying for them, got them 
bound out to you for thirty years, that's as bad as slavery. 

FOURTH MAN. 

Hear me, this Convention is going to improve the city of Vandalia. 
It is going to raise the price of all your lots by making the Kaskaskia 
river navigable and bringing great business here. That is to be one of 
the most important measures. 

THE DRUNKEN MAN. 

Who's goin' to nav — nav — navigate the Kaskasky ? 

FOURTH MAN. 

(Holding out ballot.) 
Can't you read? See it says plainly, new Constitution and that 
Constitution is going to improve the city and the river so boats can 
come here. 

BILL. 

You didn't read the rest of it where it says about negroes and 
mulattoes. Its a lying, deceitful piece of paper. 

DRUNKEN MAN. 

Navigate — navigate the Kaskasky river. Why turtles run aground 
there in that river, its so low. I can drink it up on a hot day and not 
half try. Nav-nav-navigate the Kaskasky. 



31 

BILL. 

Thank God, we have Governor Coles. He knew you for the dirty 

cnn iked liars you are. 

THIRD -MAN. 

You wont have him long. The most influential men in this state 
are for the Convention and he will be dependent on us. He's spending 
all his money on this election. 

another .max. (Less educated.) 

I'm tired of this argufying. I'm a white man. I'm a while man, 
I'm a white man, 

(As he speaks, he jumps up and down.) 

I'm goin' to live in a state where a white man can have his rights 
and own niggers. 

HILL. 

(Goes at him and knocks him down.) 

Xone of that, you're a disgrace. 

(He turns fairly on the rest of them.) 

Come on, I am ready for all of you. I'll fight all of you, men for 
man, and any one that says a word against Governor Coles I'll lick him 
twice. 

(A horn is heard, it is the Overland stage for Effmgham driven by 
Bill Higgins. Every one starts, and the fight dies down, the man who 
was knocked over crawls off and finally gets up, the drunken man is mur- 
muring to himself about the Kaskaskia river. Everyone is expectant. 
and straining his eyes.) 

THIRD MAX. 

Tom Higgins is making a fast trip. 

FOURTH MAN. 

Like as not he has brought in some more voters. 

A VOICE. 

Tom Higgins has brought some voters to save the honor of Illinois. 

(The six horse Overland stage comes in with a great flourish. 
There are several passengers icho climb out, watched by the crowd. 
Tom prepares to dismount, gives the horses reins to a boy who stands 
waiting to lead them away to the barn. Cries arise, "Wow is it Tom. 
What do you hear about the Question? Only twenty minutes and the 

elections over. lloic did you make it ahead of time !" 

TOM. 

t Marshalling his passengers.) 
This way, I'll get you there in time to vote. 
(To the crowd. ) 



33 

Clear the way, here comes more votes to keep this State free — free 
as it was admitted to the Union and as the Lord intended it. 

(A burst of cheers follow this announcement. Some mutterings 
are heard. Tom turns.) 

TOM. 

Anyone wishing to settle this trouble step out, I'm waiting, or 
else follow me peaceable to the election, you'll be just in time to see it 
close. 

(They open the way as he leading his hand of passengers marches 
belligerent I n away followed by the crowd. The stage is driven off. 
Tlte Rev. Mr. Peck and Governor Coles enter.) 

PECK. 

She said she would wait here. Sbe was in great trouble, Governor. 

GOVERNOR COLES. 

Aunt Charlotte, are you sure ? I remember her, but I haven't seen 
her for many a day. 

PECK. 

I'll get her. 

(He goes to shrubbery and calls. She and George come slowly 
out. When she sees the Governor site is delighted as a child and rushes 
to him.) 

GOVERNOR COLES. 

(Kindly.) 
Aunt Charlotte, isn't it? You've come a long journey. 

CHARLOTTE. 

Massa Governor, you ain't gwine allow dem to tech me or mine. 
You gwine help the ole woman ain't you, Massa Governor? 

GOVERNOR COLES. 
Tell me what is the matter. 

CHARLOTTL. 

They gwine take George away from me again tonight right after 
it gets dark. I seed the men in the crowd today. I ben runnin' away 
from dem ever since I left home. 

GOVERNOR COLES. 

They are going to take George ? Why is he ? 

CHARLOTTE. 

My boy. Massa Governor. Dem kidnappers dey took him last 
spring when I Mas workin' over to de ribber, and he's my last one sah. 
I lost all de others bv sickness and I wants to raise him. 



33 

GOVERNOR COLES. 

But I thought you said he was here; 

CHARLOTTE. 

lie is, Massa. Governor, he is. He run away from dem kidnappers, 
he run away back to his mammy and I took him and we sarts out to 
find you, Massa Governor, kaze T told him yon would take care of us. 
We trabble over de prairie and folks give us rides and we get here this 
morning, then in the crowd here for the 'lection Georgie sees one of 
dem kidnappers. He's afraid and the man see him but he don't dare do 
nothiii' in the day time, but he's been watchin' us and he was boast in' 
up to the hotel how he was gwine get his nigger. 

GOVERNOR. COLES. 

He is your son. Charlotte and no one shall take him from you. 

CHARLOTTE. 

Dat kidnapper say after do 'lection get froo today nobody gwine 
to care what becomes of we colored folks. (Cries.) 

GOVERNOR COLES. 

Xo Charlotte, that cannot be. Listen to me. you trust me, don't 
you ? 

CHARLOTTE. 

Of course I do, Massa Governor, didn't my Daddy and my Mammy 
and me belong to you and didn't you free us all, and give us land. 

GOVERNOR COLES. 

Then bring George to me. 

CHARLOTTE. 

(Goes to busli and after many soothing terms brings the half grown 
bog out and takes him to the Governor.) 

GOVERNOR COLES. 

A fine bow You are not afraid to stav with me. 



BOY. 

(Looking at him. ) 



Xo sir. 



GOVERNOR COLES. 

(Taking bog by hand.) 
Charlotte, George, I brought your people to this state that you 
might be free — free as I am and at liberty to do what yon pleased — to 
go when you pleased. Five years ago as our boats were making their way 
along the river on our journey here I told your people, who had, 1 regret 
to say, been my property, that they were their own masters and promised 
to help them establish themselves in a new land. Do you think I would 
desert you now? 



34 

CHARLOTTE. 



No, Massa Governor. 



GOVERNOR COLES. 

Tonight George shall stay in my room and I shall not rest until 
his pursuer has been punished and driven from this State forever. 

(To Peck.) 

This is but another example of that barbarous kidnapping that has 
blackened our record in Illinois. If this Convention plan is not defeated 
we may as well write the epitaph of free government on its tombstone. 

PECK. 

I'll take care of the boy for you this afternoon. 

GOVERNOR COLES. 

Very well. George, go with this gentleman. And Aunt Charlotte, 
what about you? Have you friends here? 

AUNT CHARLOTTE. 

Yes, Massa Governor. My cousin is cookin' over to the hotel. I'se 
gwine there — the old woman can rest now with you takin' care of George. 

GOVERNOR COLES. 

Come to see me tomorrow morning after ten and I'll see you are 
sent home safely. 

CHARLOTTE. 

Thank you, Massa Governor. Thank 

(Shouts and hurrahs arise.) 

GOVERNOR COLES. 

(To Peel- as they walk toward the left entrance.) 



What is that? 



PECK. 



The voting is over and I suppose both sides are celebrating a little 
in advance. 

GOVERNOR COLES. 

"We shall soon hear how it has gone in Vandalia. 

PECK. 

And that will give an idea of the State's vote. 

(Charlotte lias started to leave and is seen making her way down the 
path towards the rear of the stage. Two rough, looking men stop her. 
She resists them and they take hold of her.) 



35 

GOVERNOR COLES. 

This kidnapping has come k> be looked upon with perfect indiffer- 
ence — it must go in order that this State may be true to the principles 
oi the Ordinance of 1787. 

(His attention is caught by Charlotte's cries of "Massa Governor.") 

THE KIDNAPPER. 

Shut your infernal erics. We got you. Now tell u- where the boy 
is. You knew lie is our nigger, don't you lie. 

CHARLOTTE. 

lie isn't. 

KIDNAPPER. 

(Raises his hand to strike her.) 
Tell us where he is or I'll beat you. 

GOVERNOR COLES. 
( Stepping to center.) 
You will do nothing of the kind. Release that woman. 

KIDNAPPER. 

Who are you ? 

SECOND KIDNAPPER. 

There's the boy. 

(Starts towards him.) 

GOVERNOR COLES. 

Stay where you are, do not attempt to come one step nearer. I am 
glad to have seen you face to face, now I know you. And be assured 
you will be prosecuted and driven from this State. 

EIRST KIDNAPPER. 

Who are you, to drive us out? 

GOVERNOR COLES. 

I am Edward Coles and while I am a citizen of Illinois no abuse, no 
labor, no anxiety will be too great if it prevents the institution of slavery 
being fastened upon this state. 

FIRST KIDNAPPER. 

I know you, the man who wants to make this country no account. 
Here we have good land, give us plenty of niggers I say, and the people 
won't have to work, they'll get rich without it, 



36 

GOVERNOR COLES. 

My friend, this State does not need slavery in order to rise to heights 
of power. 

SECOND KIDNAPPER. 

I bet you find yourself without money or friends a year from now 
riding a porcupine saddle on a hard trotting horse. 

GOVERNOR COLES. 

What happens to me is of little importance, but what is important 
and what must come is liberty for all men in Illinois. 

(Cheers and shouts are heard of the stage. 

Tom Higgins and Bill enter.) 

BILL. 

(Excitedly, taking Coles by hand.) 
Governor — Governor, the Convention's defeated in Vandalia. 

PECK. 

That is the Lord's work. 

TOM. 

And that means the State. You'll see the Convention's going to be 
snowed under. Hurray. 

GOVERNOR COLES. 

I rejoice to hear it. This is good news indeed. Tom, Bill, you see 
those men. They have tried to steal Aunt Charlotte's boy. 1 want you 
to take them to the jail. They will be dealt with as they deserve. 

(Tom and Bill seize ihe men and take them out struggling.) 

GOVERNOR COLES. 

Don't forget, Aunt Charlotte. Come tomorrow morning. 
(He starts away.) 

CHARLOTTE. 

(She watches him until he is nearly of the stage.) 

I'm gwine with you now, Massa Governor. I won't be no trouble, 
just go and help in the kitchen, but I'm gwine with you because den I 
know I'm safe. 

(He looks at her very kindly. She and George follow Coles and Peck.) 

(curtain.) 



37 

EPISODE III 

PROLOGUE BY INTERPRETER 

Great Spirit, on this story speeds in woe. 

Discordant power.- rise to rule the land 

But yet the march of Time bears Freedom's flag 

Arid Prom the prairie's heart, from clearest waters 

And purest fiery flame, is given to Thee 

A mind to consecrate to service for mankind, 

To the faith that by the right comes might. 

Throughout the ages may he stand serene. 

PERSONS OF THE EPISODE. 

ABRAHAM LINCOLN. WARD IT. I.AMON. 

GOVERNOR YATES. DR. W. M. WALLACE. 

JOHN M. HAY. X. B. JUDD. 

J. G. NICOLA Y. 
NEIGHBORS OF THE LINCOLNS, FRIENDS, HEX, WOMEN, AND CHILDREN. 
OLD PREACHER, SERENA BIXBY, KEZIA, MESSENGER BOY, NEWS BOYS. 

SCENE. 

Springfield, early morning, Feb. 11, 1861, at R. E. station. The 
rear platform of train risible, station supposed to be at right, crowds of 
people gathering. It is a gray morning and the croivds come silently, 
there are the solid citizens of Springfield, county people and some of the 
extreme "Sucker" type. These have evidently driven a long way. TJiere 
are men, women, and children. 

OLD PREACHER. 

Good Morning, Sister. 

SERENA. 

'Pears like it was goin to be a had mornin. I don't like the looks 
of it. 

KEZIA. 

You were right smart to get up so early to come this far. 

SERENA. 

I was set upon it. I'm seein a prophecy fulfilled. . 

N.'KACHER. 

Are you. sister? 



38 

SERENA. 

When Abe Lincoln was riding the circuit he stopped at my house 
one day right after dinner. I had nothing to give him but bread and 
milk, little enough of that as I remember, but he got up after he ate it 
and said it was good enough for the President of the United States. 

KEZIA. 

Wasn't that remarkable. 

SERENA. 

And I rode ten miles this morning to get here. That was a sign. 
I've knowed it ever since. 

(Newsboy enters calling the Illinois State Journal. Several persons 
buy eagerly.) 

CITIZEN. 

(Reading paper.) 
That looks bad. I don't like that. 



SECOND CITIZEN. 



War is certain. 



THIRD CITIZEN. 

No question, the Southern States are only waiting for a chance to 
secede. See how this fellow in Pensacola acted. The country has been 
going to pieces for months. 

(Entrance of Gov. Yates and party. He buys a paper, as do several 
others.) 

MEMBER OF YATES PARTY. 

The news is worse and worse. 

GOVERNOR YATES. 

And there will be worse. 

MEMBER OF HIS PARTY. 

You feel assured we cannot avoid war? 

GOVERNOR YATES. 

It will come and Illinois has a great part to play. Look at the 
geographic position near the center of our nation. We have a great water 
way that will be one of the main highways between Canada and the 
South. You could cut this country in two by getting possession of the 
Mississippi and sending an army through Illinois. 

CITIZEN. 

God grant it may never come. 

A WOMAN. 

No, nor that it ever come. 



MESSENGER. 
(Coming out uf the station.) 
Governor, they wanl you to come in and see Mr. Lincoln. He is 
waiting until the train is ready to start. 

GOVERNOR VAILS. 
/ Turns to go and bows to several persons he recognizes in the crowd.) 
A gloomy morning to be starting away on such a groat undertaking. 

(exits.) 

SERENA. 
It is a dark day for sure. 

CITIZEN. 

(Looking up front his payer.) 
I don't like the sound of this. Did you notice they are moving 
troops to Washington to prevent assassination? 

SECOND CITIZEN. 
There have been rumors all along that there would be an attempt to 
kill him. 

SERENA. 

0, he mustn't be killed. 

SMALL BOY. 

Who's going to be killed? 

HIS MOTHER. 

SH, you must be still. What did I tell you before you came? 

CITIZEN. 

I tell you, this country as a whole lias no conception of what honest 
Abe Lincoln is like. 

SECOND CITIZEN. 

That's so, they can't understand him as we can for we know him. 
(Choms from everyone, "He's our friend, that's it." ) 

PREACHER. 

I tell you the hand of.' God is directing these events. 

CITIZEN. 

(Kindly.) 
Is that so? 

PREACHER. 

Yes, I've come miles to see him this morning because God has ap- 
pointed him. I opened the good book and I saw Isaiah, nineteenth chap- 
ter, twentieth verse, "It shall be for a sign and for a witness unto the 
Lord of Hosts in the land of Egypt for they shall send cry unto the 



40 

Lord because of oppression and he shall send them a Saviour and a great 
one and he shall deliver them." 

CITIZEN. 

"What do you make of that. 

PREACHER. 

Just one thing. We have been in an awful tight place. We've been 
crying out for help. Look at that convention. Every one pulling forty 
ways for Sunday, nobody had any idea of Honest Old Abe being elected. 
•"'And he shall send them a Saviour and a great one." I tell you, brothers 
and sisters, the Lord sent us Abraham Lincoln to deliver us. 

(Lincoln and his party appear coming sloivly from the station. lie 
is preceded by Mr. Wood. People speak to him and many shake his 
hand as he comes past the crowd. Serena grasps his hand.) 

SERENA. 

Do you remember me, sir? I am glad to see this day. 

LINCOLN. 

(Studies her face a moment.) 
Yes, Indeed I do. Good morning. (Stiakes hands.) 

SERENA. 

(As he passes on.) 

It was a warning. 

(He mounts the steps of the car and the people stand on either side. 
His party enter the car and he is alone standing at the end of the plat- 
form. At first he cannot speak, women cry, then he begins huskily his 
speech.) 

My friends. Xo one, not in my situation, can appreciate my feeling 
of sadness at this parting. To this place, and the kindness of these peo- 
ple, I owe eve^thing. Here I have lived a quarter of a century, and 
have passed from a young to an old man. Here my children have been 
born, and one is buried. I now leave, not knowing when or whether ever 
I may return, with a task before me greater than that which rested upon 
Washington. Without the assistance of that Divine Being who ever 
attended him, I can not succeed. With that assistance, I can not fail. 
Trusting in Him who can go with me, and remain with you, and be 
everywhere for good, let us confidently hope that all will yet be well. To 
His care commending you, as I hope in your prayers you will commend 
me, I bid you an affectionate farewell. 

(At the close of the speech the whistle sounds, the bells ring, and it 
is apparently time for the train to move. The small boy who ivas hushed 
by It is mill her rashes for/card and climbs up on the rear platform, hang- 
ing on the rear railing he reaches over and shakes hands with Lincohi 
who surveys him kindly and stands there a melancholy figure as th'e 
scene fades out.) 

(curtain.) 



THE MASQUE OF A HUNDRED YEARS 1818-1918 

TO BE USED AS THE FIFTH ACT IN THE 
PAGEANT OF ILLINOIS 




PREFACE 

HE MAIN EFFECT of this Masque depends upon the time 
in which it is played, for it should not drag but move with a 
swift impressive rhythm, and the perfection of the lighting 
arrangements, if produced at night. 

The lines are to be spoken, chanted and sung, all of 
which is easily determined in the directions. 

While designed for production at night when the artistic effects of 
lighting would be an added charm, it would with a few changes be 
possible to give this Masque in the early dusk when the fading light is 
soft and gives wonderful beauty to the production. 

Starting the Pageant at five o'clock on an afternoon in June would 
bring this at the best time of day. It will be noted too that while 
arranged for out of door production it can be produced in a theatre or 
large auditorium. The caste is planned for a large number, but this 
can be reduced by having the 100 Years of Illinois play the Counties 
of Illinois and using persons who have been in the other Episodes. 

The scene is a woodland one. Accross the stage two thirds of the 
way from the front is a sow of pillars with an arched central opening 
giving the effect of a peristyle. The pillars are really transparencies 
but this is not apparent at first. The pillars are wreathed with green. 
Time, a glittering, golden figure, stands on top of the peristyle directly 
over the archway. He wears a winged cap, there are wings on his feet 
and by his litheness and suppleness he suggests Mercury. 



Persons of the Masque 



TIME. 

THE HUNDRED YEARS OF ILLI- 
NOIS. 

THE 102 COUNTIES OF ILLINOIS. 

THE 32 CITIES OF ILLINOIS. 

GROUPS REPRESENTING THE 

TOWNS AND SETTLEMENTS. 

LEARNING, FOLLOWED BY THE 
L02 COUNTIES OF ILLINOIS. 



LABOR, FOLLOW LI) BY THE 32 
LARGEST TOWNS OF ILLINOIS. 

LOVE, FOLLOWED BY THE SPIRIT 
OF ART, THE WORLD'S COLUM- 
BIAN EXPOSITION LEADING. 

IGNORANCE. 

THE FOLLOWERS OF IGNORANCE. 

TRUTH. 

THE UNCOUNTED YEARS OF ILLI- 
NOIS. 



42 



TIME. 



I am Time, Eternal youth, eternal age, 
I would claim of a century its toll. 

A hundred jewels 

I gave a child one day 

A hundred jewels 

From scar or blemish free, 

To please her fancy 

And use as she devised 

By gems of magic bright. 

(The lights come on across the entire peristyle showing the tops of 
the columns across which is passing and re-passing a living bas-relief of 
one hundred children, dressed in light tints with unbound hair. Half of 
them come up the steps from the left, pass across the top of the columns 
and down on the other side. Half ascend the stepsi on the right and 
they all chant as they go 

We are the years, the years, the years, 
We are the hundred years of Illinois. 

A great burst of music and directly bach of the center entrance but 
with some distance between, what has seemed, if noticed at all to be a 
great rock covered with leaves and branches, is illuminated and shows' 
forth the outline of the state. It is really the back center entrance, 
and through it comes Illinois, a beautiful, mature woman dressed in 
shades of blue with gold trimmings. She stands in the archway.) 

ILLINOIS. 

I come, I come, I would be swift, 

Time and gather your golden hours. 

TIME. 

1 seek to know what you have done, Illinois 
With jewels rich and rare I gave to you one day. 
A hundred years so perfect, true they were. 

Your story would I hear, the past and present judge, 
Tomorrow cometh never save you build today 
On gleaming beams of beauty that were yesterday. 

ILLINOIS. 

Your jewels rare, 

Your hundred years, are spent, are gone, 
Like flame in the wind, like waves in the sea, 
But judge, Time what they brought to me. 

TIMF. 

Show, show, 
I would behold. 



i:; 



ILLINOIS. 



Not all my days have passed in peace 
But still the struggle lifteth me. 
(There is a chorus of snarls, cries, groans, and shouts with flashes 
of smoke off stage on either side.) 

A demon lurks forever near 
With him I war unto the death 
His evil name is Ignorance. 

TIME. 

Be brief and tell of the battle you wage, 
My glass runs out, it will not stop 
For one by one the moments pass 
I must count them all. 

ILLINOIS. 

For all I am, for all I am to be 

I owe my friends and staunch allies 

To them I call, I call, I call. 
(Her cry is taken up by Learning who advances through the center 
entrance carrying the lamp of Instruction in her hand. S'he is a noble 
figure dressed in shades of dark red with silver trimmings.) 

LEARNING. 

Hail, all hail, 

At thy command 

Your servants rise like fire. 

ILLINOIS. 

A hundred years I've fought with Ignorance 
He bringeth slavery, he bringeth sin, 
Against him go my stout and strong allies 
Behold and hear the first, great Learning comes. 

LEARNING. 

I fight for Illinois. 

In every county that she hath, 

In them 1 build my halls, 

All secrets rare of soil and sky, 

All knowledge stored in books, 

All marvels yet to be devised, 

It is for these I strive 

It is for these I will attain 

And ignorance shall fall. 

Illinois your riches see ! 
(The lights glean out behind the transparent pillars and through 
each one as through an entrance come the 102 counties of Illinois, lhe>f 
dance forward, ten from each pillar excepl in tiro ruses where there are 



44 

eleven. Learning stands in the archival/ as the counties dance. They 
are dressed in shades of yellow, not decided colors but a blending of all 
shades.) 

(During the dance of the counties, Time is obscured, but at the 
close he again flashes forth. The counties are grouped on either side 
of the stage.) 

TIME. 

You promise well 
Show more, show more. 

(The cries arise without as Illinois speaks.) 

ILLINOIS. 

I call, I call, upon my second hrave ally, 

Once more I am beset with dangers dire and fell. 

Labor, come and fight for me with Ignorance. 

(Labor, a noble figure, appears in the doorway.) 

LABOR. 

1 come, Illinois to drive the evil far, 
In every city, town and settlement I work 
Against the foe with industries huge and vast. 

I make you steel with which to fling the shining rails 
Across your lands, I build you cunning cars of strength 
With which to harvest golden wealth of grain, 
I help you feed the hungry hordes of all the world, 
I dig within the earth and mine your stores of ore, 
Before my strength our enemy Ignorance goes down. 
Behold your cities, towns, and settlements are here 
Now let the dastard cowardly foe appear. 

(Labor blows his trumpet and the procession of cities, 32 in number, 
comes in stately march from the center entrance. They pass by the 
powerful figure of Labor who stands with uplifted hand on the central 
steps to the right. They pass down the steps alternately going to the 
right and left until the 32 cities have passed, there are groups too repre- 
senting the smaller towns. Learning is at the extreme right front, Ijabor 
at the extreme left front.) 

CHICAGO. 

(Representing I Will.) 

Mother state, 

Your cry hath reached me, 
We come, I from the lakes, 

1 bring you energy undreamed 

O'er Ignorance my power is what "I will." 



first group — (The leaders of each group speaks.) 
We from the rivers 
Bring commerce rich and great. 
Peoria, Eock Island, Quincy, Alton, Cairo, Rockofnl, 

East St. Louis, Aurora, Moline, Freeport, Elgin, 

LaSalle. 

SECOND GROUP. 

We from the prairies 

Have magic forces 

To use against the foe. 

Bloornington, Belleville, Lincoln, Canton, Galesburg, 

Decatur, Joliet, Jacksonville, Danville, Kankakee, 

Streator, Mattoon. 

FOURTH. 

I from the capital, Springfield 

Will rise to save our Sovereign State. 

FOURTH. 

And we, Waukegan, Oak Park, Evanston, Chicago 
Heights and Cicero. 

(Again the cry arises.) 

ILLINOIS. 

Our enemy is at the gate, he rises here, he rises there, 
We put him down, he springs anew, where is our third 
and last ally? 

(Music peals and a radiant figure with wings stands at the center 
entrance, Chorus of every one, "Love comes, love comes") 

LOVE. 

I come, Illinois, to wield my gifts for you. 

To conquer, to overcome this deadly dweller of the night 

With Learning and with Labor united be, 

I bring a charm triumphant over Ignorance. 

The spell of beauty do I weave with mystic snare, 

It hath a subtle, strange influence none withstand. 

I seek to keep the beauty of your fields and farms, 

I hope to build a city fairer than a dream 

Where now there stands each smoking mart of trade. 

I gave you once upon your shining inland sea 

A vision splendid, all the world in rapture gazed. 

For you I summon here, my spirits beautiful. 

They were, they are, they yet will be your treasury. 
(Through each pillar comes a sprite of beauty, the spirit of the 
White City, the World's Columbian Exposition comes through the center 
entrance and these graceful, radiant creatures dance. They should be 



46 

dressed in shimmering soft colors and be the best dancers. The spirit 
of the White City should be in silvery white. When done they dance 
back and take their places, one in each pillar, the leader on the steps at 
the center with love.j 

ILLINOIS. 
LEARNING — LABOR — LOVE. 

With you I dare, 

With you I hope, 

With you I shall achieve. 

(As she speaks they mass themselves about her, Illinois ivho stands 
slightly at the right front and addresses Time.) 

Now let him come, my cities, towns and counties strong, 

We fight the demon, we show the strength of our desires, 

The glory of our dreams. 

(There is a great shout, flame, smoke, and the stage goes dark. 
When the lights come once more and the cloud of smoke lifts, Ignor- 
ance in trappings of black is seated high on a black horse.. .About him 
cluster his followers. . . They stand facing Learning, Labor and Love 
who are with Illinois. Hie towns, counties, and cities are tense with 
excitement. His followers are hideous shapes, horrid gnomes and all 
manner of evil appearing characters. Time is obscured.) 

IGNORANCE. 

I defy you, 
My slaves and I, 
I am lord, I am master. 
Ho-o-o-o-o. (He breaks into horrible laughter.) 

ALL HIS SLAVES. 

We are your slaves, 
We are your slaves, 
We are the sons of Ignorance. 

(Their speech, ends in snarls and groivls.) 

TIME. 

(Who suddenly blazes forth on top of peristyle.) 
My glass runs out, 
Your years are sped, 
The tale is told, 
0, Illinois ! 
The end has come. 

ILLINOIS. 

Not yet, not yet, 
It cannot be. 

IGNORANCE. 

I win, I win. 



CHORUS OF HIS FELLOWERS. 

We win, we win, we win. 

ILLINOIS. 

Back, you shall not prevail. 

IGNORANCE. 

Your day is done. 

ILLINOIS. 

(To Time.) 

(Jive me more years, more years, 

I'll seek the fiend and fight him 'till he dies. 

Sons and daughters have I like the stars of dawn. 

Lo, I give hostage to the future that tomorrow shall not lack 

Because we shirk the duty of today. 

To this I pledge my faith. 

Give me more years, more years. 

(The scene darkens and a cry goes up from Illinois and her attend- 
ants. "More years, Time, more years/' The powers of Ignorance 
laugh and the two sounds mingle strangely. For a moment Time is 
seen then he fades out, the plea continues, so does the laughter.) 

LEARNING. 

Time, progress is the law of God, 
Failures must not be repeated. 

LABOR. 

He does not die 

Who makes heroic sacrifice. 

LOVE. 

He does not live, 

Who gives not to the service of his kind. 

Give us more years. 
(The lights flare on showing the uncounted years, straight and 
tall standing across the top of the peristyle. With Time stands the 
figure of Truth holding a shining sword. The evil forces would flee 
and they begin to crouch, to slink away in the shadows, but Ignorance 
stands firm.) 

TIME. 

Here are the years uncounted 
The future shall bring to you. 

ILLINOIS. 

thanks to thee, 
All praise is thine. 



48 



TIME. 



Illinois, thou shalt be, 
Keystone of 
The arch 
Truth shall rear 
To make men free. 

(Illinois raises her arms in prayer, she is still surrounded by Love, 
Labor and Learning. The Sword of Truth drops into her hands. She 
holds it aloft and advances toward Ignorance who turns in terror to flee.) 

chokus. . . (Arises) 

The sword of truth, 
The sword of truth, 

Has come, 

Has come 

To make men free. 

(The uncounted years who are really a choir sing out as the Ugh Is 
softly fade away.) 

"Not without thy wondrous story" (or' whatever patriotic songs are 
desired.) 

fCURTAINj 

At the close of the Masque the grouping should be as follows. The 
counties of Illinois ranged on either side. Illinois center addressing 
Truth. Learning and Labor at extreme right and left. The cities, 
towns, and settlements of Illinois grouped about Labor. Love with the 
Spirit of the World's Columbian Exposition as her attendant at center, 
the spirits of Beauty standing one in each pillar, which is lighted, and 
Time and Truth over the center opening. 



